A robber who forced his way into a home and assaulted the elderly occupants before running away with a purse has been jailed for eight years.

During the evening of April 8, Brett Morris burst through the front door of a house near West Park Road, Maidstone.

The residents had never met him before and one of the victims - a man in his 80s – fell to the floor during a struggle with Morris, who then kicked his head twice.

Morris also demanded money from a woman in her 90s who was present, before stealing a purse and leaving.

Police swiftly attended and the victim was treated for facial injuries.

After looking at CCTV footage in the area, Morris was identified and arrested on the following day.

Morris, of no fixed address, was later charged with robbery.

The 48 year-old pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Friday, June 30 was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment with an additional four years on licence when he is released.

PC Ashleigh Fell, of Maidstone CID, said: “Morris targeted two vulnerable pensioners thinking he could steal their cash without fear of arrest.

“In fact an elderly victim resisted him when he forced his way in and, on running from the address, he was caught on CCTV.

“Local officers were quick to recognise him on the footage and following a prompt arrest this violent man has quite rightly been brought to justice.”